Dr. Justin Tilghman is an international life and leadership coach who helps clients go from feeling like they're drowning in stress to living a life that's calm, confident, and filled with purpose. He works with his clients for the long haul, diving deep into five main areas: self-discovery, finding their life purpose, building connections, boosting their self-confidence, and building resilience. The secret sauce? It's all about connecting—connecting with yourself, with God, and with the people around you.
He is the author of Pursuing Your Purpose: A Practical Guide to Finding and Living Into Your God-Given Purpose and also hosts a weekly podcast called The Balanced Life Podcast where he focuses on helping individuals tackle life and build balance and resilience.
Justin Tilghman, PhD, Life and Leadership Coach
What lit the fire under you to become a life and leadership coach?
My passion for coaching was born out of personal experience. After going through my own struggles with identity, life purpose, and meaning I realized that many people struggle with stress, a lack of direction, and lots of self-doubt. Coaching was part of what brought me out of that dark space in my life and I wanted to create a coaching program that not only addressed these issues but also helped people operate at their highest potential by connecting with their inner selves and their spirituality. So, I thought, why not combine all these elements into a coaching program that can genuinely transform lives? That’s how Balanced Coaching was born.
You mentioned working with clients on a long-term basis. Why do you think that's important?
Great question! Transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a journey, and I believe in walking alongside my clients every step of the way. Long-term coaching allows us to dig deep, tackle challenges as they come, and celebrate victories together. It's about building a relationship of trust and accountability, which is crucial for meaningful change.
What sets your coaching program apart from others?
What makes my program unique is the blend of personal development and spirituality. I don't just focus on surface-level issues; we go deep. We explore your relationship with yourself, with God, and with others. It's a holistic approach that addresses not just the mind but also the soul.
Your coaching program focuses on four core pillars. Could you elaborate on these?
Absolutely. The first pillar is understanding who you are. This involves self-awareness and recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. The second pillar is finding life purpose, which is about aligning your life with your core values and goals. The third pillar is fostering connections, where we dive into really connecting with yourself, those around you, and with the One who created you. The fourth pillar focuses on building self-confidence, which is crucial for taking action and making decisions. The last pillar is building resilience, which helps you solidify your growth and transformation and bounce back from setbacks and challenges that will inevitably come up as you pursue your own growth and development.
How does spirituality play a role in your coaching?
Spirituality is the bedrock of my program. I believe that connecting with God gives you a kind of inner peace and guidance that's hard to find elsewhere. It's like having a spiritual GPS that helps you navigate the ups and downs of life.
How do you measure success in your coaching program?
Success is highly individualized, but generally, it's about achieving the goals we set at the beginning of our coaching relationship. Whether it's finding peace, building confidence, or discovering life purpose, the aim is to see tangible progress in these areas. But beyond that, it's about the intangibles—like a newfound sense of joy, deeper relationships, and a stronger spiritual connection.
What kind of transformation have you seen in your clients?
Oh man, where do I start? I've seen clients go from being paralyzed by anxiety to leading a life that's not just functional but thriving. They’ve developed new mindsets that foster growth and continuous development. I’ve seen clients gain an entirely new perspective on their lives and feel a sense of vitality that they haven’t had in a very long time. They've built self-confidence, discovered their purpose, and have become more resilient. I’ve even seen some of them accomplish goals and dreams that they never thought possible (i.e., one client finally published a book he’s been wanting to write for years!) It's rewarding to see them operate at their highest potential.
What's the first step someone should take if they're interested in your coaching program?
The first step is to reach out for a free consultation. This gives us a chance to get to know each other and see if we're a good fit. It's also an opportunity for me to understand your needs and challenges better, so I can tailor my approach to serve you most effectively.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
Absolutely. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, know that you're not alone and that help is out there. Taking that first step towards change can be scary, but it's also the most liberating thing you'll ever do. If you're on the fence about hiring a coach, I'd say take the leap. Investing in yourself is the best investment you'll ever make—you're worth every penny and every minute. Coaching provides you with the tools, accountability, and support you need to transform your life. And hey, you're not just investing in a better 'you'; you're investing in a better life for everyone around you.
